HUNTING ACCIDENTSfrom C.A.S.H. Committee To Abolish Sport Hunting

Huntsmen and women from Leicestershire and further afield
gathered at the weekend to pay tribute to a 54-year-old member of
the Fernie Hunt who died in a horse-riding accident last week.

William Graham, formerly of Lubenham, near Market Harborough, fell
from his dark bay horse as he jumped a timber fence in fields
between Saddington and Mowsley on Wednesday, January 31.

An inquest on the father-of-three’s death has been opened and
adjourned.

On Saturday, people from the hunting fraternity gathered for a
day’s hunting near Hallaton, in his memory.

Philip Cowen, joint-master of the Fernie Hunt, said: “Many people
who are connected with hunting in Leicestershire and further afield
came together for a special day’s hunting which was dedicated to
Will.

“ There is an incredible bond which runs throughout those who are
involved with the hunt, whether as riders, followers or supporters
and the moving tributes on that day will last long in all our
memories.

“Will was a true gentleman and we all owe him so much for a life
which has been cut short far too soon.”

He added: “Will fell from his dark bay horse as he jumped a
timber fence mid-way between Saddington and Mowsley. The horse was
not injured in the fall.

“Although born in Scotland, Will had lived locally for many years.
He leaves a wife, Lucy, and their nine-year-old daughter, with two
older children from a previous marriage.

“Will’s tragic death whilst out hunting with the Fernie last week
has stunned and shocked us all. Sadly, he died when his horse fell
on top of him at a fence which has been jumped on numerous occasions
previously, close to Saddington village.

“There are no words to describe such a devastating loss particularly
for his family, but also a great many other people in the locality
who knew him so well.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to them all at such a sad time.
Will was a constant source of energy, passion, enthusiasm and
determination in whatever he turned his hand to – whether in his
line of business, when on the sportsfield or when relaxing at home.
His loss to our community is immeasurable.”

He added: “Will was an accomplished and very competent rider who has
followed the Fernie hounds for about 15 years.

"He particularly enjoyed both the social side of the sport, and the
excitement which can be provided in both jumping natural obstacles
and watching the hounds as they use their scenting abilities to
follow the lines of the trail across natural country and open
farmland.”

Polly Portwin, of the Countryside Alliance said: “Will was a
great supporter and representative of the Alliance and we extend our
deepest sympathies to Lucy, their family and all those closest to
them.”

Chris Parker, also a joint-master of the Fernie Hunt said: “Sadly
Will lost his life whilst enjoying a sport that he loved, and to
which he has been a huge contributor both directly and behind the
scenes for many years.

“He was clearly enjoying himself on the day in question right up to
the moment that this dreadful accident occurred.

"Words do not adequately convey our emotions, or the profound
degree of sympathy which we all feel for his wife, daughter and
their wider family.

“He will be greatly missed by all his friends in not only the
hunting world, but from many other aspects of life as well. He was
also a hugely successful businessman, and he particularly enjoyed
skiing and sailing.”

The inquest on the Mayfair, London, based investment management
company director was opened at Leicester Town Hall and was
adjourned, pending reports until April 23.

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